Free, fair, and transparent elections are the bedrock of our democracy. Therefore, it is a point of great pride and privilege to me as County Clerk that my office is involved with administering elections. Ensuring that eligible voters are not encumbered to vote is our duty as public officials and Americans. Voting is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. We must work to make voting as easy as possible, without compromising the integrity of elections, and to ensure that all eligible voters are well informed about when they vote, where they vote and have the documentation required to cast their ballot on Election Day. Consequently, we are conducting a vigorous voter education program in anticipation of the Fall 2020 elections.

​George L. Christenson, Milwaukee County Clerk

​The Milwaukee County Election Commission is tasked with programming elections for the 19 municipalities and 568 districts/wards in the County. In 15 years of administering elections, Julietta Henry, Director of the Milwaukee County Election Commission has become proficient in juggling the endless demands of programming elections, while cultivating a personal reservoir of knowledge necessary to analyze voting procedures, anticipate equipment needs and other concerns, along with monitoring conduct at polling sites.

Henry explains, “Growing up. I heard my parents talk about elections and voting. It was ingrained in my psyche to vote. I was 18 years old, living in Beloit, Wisconsin, the first time I voted, and I have not missed voting in an election since I want to be a part of that process.

The Commission works with the municipal clerks to purchase supplies, order ballots, and to program their elections. We are a resource of information for administering elections. Our job is to ensure that eligible voters are properly registered and to deal with the stress and other perceived barriers effectively. Voting allows everyone to be a part of the government, elect our representatives, and to a major degree, determine policies and laws that guide our lives.

As an African-American woman, I know the struggle it took for us to get to this place in history. So many people have fought and died for this right,” Henry explained.

Many of us still don’t realize the importance of participating in primary elections. This is when we select candidates who will become our election choices.

​Every vote counts. Every vote matters. That was a clear reality in 2016.

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

​Primary Election — is when registered voters select a candidate they believe should be a political party’s choice for elected office. This person will run in the general election.

Early Voting — Wisconsin residents can cast ballots (vote) in person at a polling place before an election.

ABSENTEE VOTING -

Applications must be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m., Thursday before Election Day.

Using U.S. mail service, the returned ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by the municipal clerk no later than 4 p.m. Friday after the election.

POPULAR VOTE — is the total number or percentage of all voters from all 50 states. The candidate who gets the most votes nationwide wins the popular vote. The winner of the popular vote can lose the election.

ELECTORAL VOTE— 270 electoral votes are required to elect the President. The eight members in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation plus two for Wisconsin Senators.

CONSTITUENT— A person who lives, works, or pay taxes in an area that a politician represents.

DISTRICT / WARDS— A specific area that

​​VOTING BLOCis a group of voters, i.e., Black women, who are strongly motivated by a specific common concern or group of concerns to the point that such specific concerns tend to dominate their voting patterns causing them to vote together in elections.

Certificate of naturalization (issued no earlier than two years before the election)

An ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (can be expired or unexpired)

A driver license receipt issued by the Wisconsin Department of

Transportation (DOT) is valid for 45 days from the date issued.

All voters must submit proof of residence with their voter registration.

Elections@Wisconsin.gov 1-866-VOTE-WisVoter Registration Guide

Request an absentee ballot

Find your elected officials

Track your absentee ballot

414.278.4766 | Detention Servicescounty.miwaukee.govMilwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas promotes voting rights of inmates​“Under state law, voters detained in the Milwaukee County Jail, who are not awaiting or serving a felony sentence, are eligible to vote in Wisconsin using the address where [they] lived immediately before being incarcerated,” states Sheriff Earnell Lucas. Assistance is provided with absentee voting within the Milwaukee County Jail. Before elections, flyers and large posters with election dates and other pertinent information are displayed throughout the jail, inviting inmates to participate in absentee voting.

​wisconsindot.gov | Hotline 844.588.1069or 608.266.3581 or 414.266.1000FREE STATE ID CARD​If you do not have a valid ID, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DVD) can provide state ID cards free even if you don’t have a birth certificate. A free Wisconsin ID card is processed and mailed to you. A receipt fro the Wisconsin ID is issued and accepted for voting purposes until your card is received.